Dictionary/textbook examples from poetry and songs

[John Langran]

Alina Israeli wrote:
"That's why it is so unfortunate that many dictionary use examples from 
poetry on their face value".

Yes, but what about the pedagogy?

Poets and songwriters have licence to use "incorrect" language. But the 
pedagogical value of memorability has tremendous power. The 
dictionary/textbook writer should be encouraged to use memorable language 
wherever possible, and songs and poems give excellent language examples that 
help the learner remember things. The dictionary/textbook writer needs to 
filter out incorrect usage, but please don't ask us to stop using poetry and 
songs to help people learn.

John Langran
www.ruslan.co.uk

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